The third generation of BMW 7-series sedans, indexed E38, debuted in June 1994, replacing the previous "seven" E32. The design of the new BMW flagship was determined by the previous model: a low bonnet, topped with the branded "nostrils" of the radiator grill, large glass. The workmanship of the body has been perfected and the gaps between the body panels are kept to a minimum.

The quality is the same inside: the interior is made in a typical German strict and restrained style, the center console is slightly turned towards the driver. He sits as if in the cockpit of a fighter - he is surrounded by instruments and control buttons support systems... But, unfortunately, there was not so much free space for front riders, by the standards of the class.

The main attention was paid to the passengers of the second row - there was so much space that even a tall man could easily cross his legs.

The comfort of the passengers while driving was taken care of by the NR body position control system and the ASC automatic body stabilization system. The ECS system electronically controlled the stiffness of the shock absorbers, which, of course, had an effect on comfort for the better. The ventilation and temperature control system made it possible to set a different climate for the driver and passengers in the front and rear seats.
All "sevens" had decent basic equipment, which included power accessories, multifunction steering wheel, audio system, ABS, on-board computer, standard alarm with immobilizer, etc. But one of the richest was the BMW 750iL. In addition to the above, it was standardly equipped with a Park Distance Control system, a 5-speed automatic transmission, a self-adjusting suspension, a cell phone with voice dialing, heated front and rear seats, an audio system consisting of 14 speakers with a power of 440 watts, a navigation system, an onboard TV and aluminum discs.
The choice of additional options was limited only by the imagination and material capabilities of the customer. Here are just a few of them:
* Sportpaket M (sports seats and steering wheel, special interior color, birch or walnut inserts, 18 inch alloy wheels), except for 740iL and 750iL;
* more advanced head unit with CD reading and Hi-Hi system;

* Shadow-Line (no outer chrome);

* Chrome-Line Interiur (chrome inserts in the cabin);

* monitor for rear passengers;

* additional cell phone for the back row of seats.

There were versions with a base extended by 140 mm, denoted by the letter L.

But the longest "seven" in the E38 body was the L7 model. It was built on the base of the BMW 750i extended by 390 mm.

The space behind the front seats was completely redesigned: there was a partition separating the driver from the second row of seats, its own audio system, a DVD player, and especially valuable wood and high-quality leather were used in the decoration.

Both long-wheelbase "sevens" could be produced in light armored (class B4) performance, called "Protection". They were equipped with bulletproof glass, parts that enhance the protection of the body, and wheels with the ability to ride after a puncture or lumbago.
The line of motors was simply huge: 725tds (very rare and produced for only 2 years), 728i, 730d, 730i, 735i, 740d, 740i, 750i. All motors met Euro-3 standards. Even the smallest 3 liter six-cylinder diesel engine could accelerate to a hundred in 8 seconds, the maximum speed reached 220 km / h.

What can we say about other more powerful engines, and even more so about the flagship 5.4 liter gasoline V12 with the factory index M73 B54, which has 326 horsepower and accelerating a two-ton sedan to hundreds in 6 seconds. Maximum speed, limited by electronics, reached 250 km / h.

The motors could be aggregated with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Sales in the United States began almost immediately. For the Americans, the most powerful "sevens" were offered - 740i and 750i and their long wheelbase versions. They can be distinguished by different optics and the trunk lid.

The main reason for the success of BMW in the back of the E38 was that the Bavarian engineers succeeded in the almost impossible - a compromise between handling and comfort.
The popularity of the E38 from year to year was also added by auxiliary electronic systems, according to which it was one step ahead of other competitors. Among the electronic filling are the Dynamic Stability Control System (DSC), the Adaptive Automatic Transmission (AGS), which allows changing the gear shifting algorithm depending on the driving modes, electronic system ELM motor control.

Another asset of the car was its outstanding safety. The car body had programmable crumple zones. All "sevens" were equipped with several airbags for both front and rear passengers. The new Head Protection System, an inflatable umbrella that unfolds diagonally from the windshield pillar to the roof above the tailgate, provided head protection for passengers in front. The safety of those in the rear was ensured by airbags built into the doors.

Also, the car was equipped with locks that block the doors from opening by children, the Dynamic Stability Control system and built-in sensors that automatically open the doors and turn on the hazard lights and lights in the passenger compartment in the event of a serious accident.

In 1995, the Alpina tuning studio released the most powerful and technologically advanced "seven" -.

Around the same time, the equally eminent ateliers Hamann and Schnitzer offered their "charged" versions of the E38.

In September 1998, the car underwent a slight restyling, during which the front part of the car, the interior changed slightly, a chrome strip appeared above the number on the trunk.

Now it is possible to install Sportpaket M on the 740i version. One of the engines, the 4.4-liter V8 M62, has undergone an easy upgrade: new dual-vanos valves have appeared. Power and torque remained unchanged, but peaked at lower revs.
In 2000, a hydrogen cell concept car was built on the basis of the BMW 750iL, dubbed the 750hL (CleanEnergy Concept).

The standard V12 engine has been redesigned to run on hydrogen. The car had a 140 liter hydrogen tank, refueled at a temperature of -250 ° C, and could travel 400 km without refueling. Acceleration to hundreds took 9.6 seconds, top speed 226 km / h.

During the tests at the Nurburgring, the lap time was 9 minutes 53 seconds. After testing, ten 750hl were sent on a world tour to demonstrate the capabilities of the hydrogen units.
"Seven" in the back of E38 was very popular in Europe and even starred in films: in one of the parts of "Bond" - "Tomorrow Never Dies", and Luc Beson's cult film "The Transporter". Residents of Russia will remember the car from the no less cult movie "Boomer".

The BMW 7-series E38 was produced until July 2001, when it was replaced by the new BMW E65 / 66 of the 2002 model year, marking the arrival of a new era in design. Prices for the most affordable BMW 728i with manual transmission in the last months of production in Germany started at 95,300DM (about 48,000 €).

There are a lot of instructions on how to purchase a used E38 “seven” on the net, describing the main problems, and where you need to look. Nevertheless, after purchasing the first non-new BMW (and especially the e38), many do not even fully understand what they want from the purchase, and even more so they do not suspect what difficulties they may face after the acquisition.

This article describes the differences between the models, all engine options, options in the interior and exterior, and also tells about the features of the Individual and Highline versions. Well, all the most common "sores" are described.

The BMW 7 Series in the back of the E38 are great cars, and also very affordable. But the first drawback is that most motors fall into the most expensive category. transport tax(150r / h.p.).

The cars of this model are very different in character - from the humble 728i to the high-spirited and “edgy” 740i Sport and the sophisticated 750iL. During the entire production period of the car, there have been many changes in the design and interior design. The main engines: in-line six, V8 and V12, were produced in a variety of options.

The E38 has three distinct generations, the earliest appearing in 1994, with V8 engines from the previous E32 7 (M60). At that time, these were fairly modern engines; they appeared in 1992. The same engine control unit (DME 3.3) was used, and an automatic 5-speed gearbox from the E32. A little later, the V12 also appeared, when the old M70 engine was modernized, increasing the displacement, and renamed M73.

The first major modernization took place in 1996, when the V8 engines were greatly modified and in-line “six” appeared. The eight-cylinder engines grew in volume - up to 3.5 and 4.4 liters (models 735i and 740i, respectively) and were renamed M62, and the 730i model was replaced by 728i, with a completely new L6 engine, which was very different from the previous M30.

The next modernization took place in 1998, again all the motors were improved (except for the M73, which underwent minimal changes). The 728th (M52) motor was now equipped with a double Vanos system, and it was no longer equipped with a nikasil coating. V8 engines also began to be equipped with the Vanos variable valve timing system (it “turned” the camshaft responsible for opening the intake valves), which made it possible to make a smoother “shelf” of torque and increase it at peak by 20 Newton meters. Power was left the same (286 forces) so as not to compete with the 750th.

The modernization affected not only the engines, the list of options also changed a lot from year to year. The full list of BMW options is huge, and the car is complete set can cost twice as much as "empty" with the same motor. In addition to standard options such as satellite navigation and TV tuner, the customer could order something from the Individual list. So in the secondary market, you may come across a copy with a rare Individual body color, but with a standard interior trim, and vice versa.

Engines and dynamic characteristics.

M52 inline six on the 728i.

The smallest unit was installed on the 728i. An early version of it, the M52B28, had a nikasil coating, and was equipped with a variable valve timing system for the intake valves only. The motor was very different from its predecessor, the M30. Block - aluminum, two camshafts in the head of the block, 24 valves, sequential injection and six ignition coils. Power was equal to 186 hp.

Engines from '96-98 are virtually indestructible, but suffer from Vanos problems that cause uneven idle. In September 1998, the M52TUB28 was introduced, it was assembled without the use of nikasil, and the Vanos system became double. Improvements have reduced fuel consumption and made the engine more flexible, so the later 728 models are a little more pleasant for the driver.

The 728i isn't fast, but neither is it slow. The car starts quite briskly, but quickly "fizzles out" (in comparison with the rest of the E38), do not forget that in the 90s most cars were much weaker and slower. On the highway, the 728i can still pleasantly surprise you with its dynamics at high speeds. Since the engine is the smallest in the E38, it is also the lightest, so the 728i drives very decently (and this weighs under 2 tons!), And in terms of handling it can compete with modern “semi-sports” cars, not to mention the cars of the 90s ... The Sport version has changed gear ratios in the gearbox and in the main pair, so it accelerates a little faster.

In general, the 728i is an excellent “eater of freeways”, which also pleases with its fuel consumption (7-8 liters on the highway).

V8 engines (M60 and M62) were installed on 730i, 735i, 740i.

All V8 engines were advanced for their time: 4 camshafts in the heads of the block, 32 valves, sequential injection, 8 coils in the ignition system. The first E38 V8s received engines from the E32 (M60), in particular the 730i and 740i - 3.0 and 4.0 liters of displacement, respectively.

These units were nikasil-coated, and with the introduction of the M62 engines, prices for cars with older engines fell markedly. But now the problem with Nikasil is no longer relevant, and the reliability of the M60 is in no way inferior to the M62.

In 1996, the M60 was replaced by the M62, the volume increased to 3.5 and 4.4 liters. for the 735i and 740i respectively. These engines have already used a new coating of the cylinder walls - Alusil, which was supposed to increase their wear resistance. The motors received the indexes M62B35 and M62B44, developing 235 and 286 hp. It is worth noting that at low revs the motors are sluggish, developing full power only closer to the red zone of the tachometer.

In September 1998, the M62TUB35 and M62TUB44 were introduced. They differed only in the modified Vanos system, which now affected the exhaust camshafts. The result is a smoother “pickup” from low revs, the same power and an additional 20 N / m of torque from the 4.4l engine. Turnovers idle move became a little smoother, fuel consumption decreased slightly. The engine upgrade coincided with the E38 facelift and price increases.

The 730i (1994-1996) model practically does not differ in dynamics from the 728i, but it consumes more fuel (by 0.5-1 liters on the highway). The 735i version is faster than both, but only slightly. From the traffic light, the dynamics are not bad, but the pre-styling versions (without the double Vanos) run well only after 4000 rpm and in the sport mode of the automatic transmission.

The 740i is already in a different league, the M60B40 engine in the early versions (1994-1996), although it needs to be “spinned” for full efficiency, but still 4 liters of volume does its job, and the car “shoots”. With the M62TUB44 engine (cars after the "facelift" of September 1998), they already resemble a rocket in their dynamics. But on them it is very dangerous to turn off the stabilization system (DSC) on wet or slippery surfaces, as the rear axle can quickly go “in the wrong place”. On the highway, fuel consumption is almost the same as the 735i, you can keep within 8-9 liters. With the advent of the double-vanos system, they also began to install a “smart” thermostat that allows you to keep the engine temperature higher while driving evenly on the highway. Although the 740 can also go very smoothly and measuredly, if you need a car for leisurely walks, the 728i is more suitable.

V12 engine (M73) on the 750i.

pictured - 750i 1998 with M73B54 engine.

The M73 engines are incredibly reliable, mainly due to their simple design. All six-eight-cylinder E38 engines have two camshafts per cylinder head and 4 valves per cylinder. Here, there are only two valves and one camshaft each. The engine was produced in two versions - M73B54 and M73TUB54, both produced 326 hp. and 490 nm. The difference between them is in the control unit, there are almost no differences in the mechanical part. Both versions inherited from the M70 an ignition system with two coils and distributors, and this can be called weak side motor.

The M73 is very powerful and responsive, which is why the character of the 740i and 750i is very different. “Late” 740i with Vanos are dynamic, nimble cars, on which it is pleasant to press the “sneaker on the floor” once again and listen to the engine, and the 750i is no slower, and at the same time much quieter, “more sophisticated”, the engine sound and resembles a diesel locomotive with traction. The main disadvantage of the V12 is the monstrous fuel consumption, it is slightly less on the TUB - engine, but still extremely high. On paper, the dynamics of the 750i and later 740i are almost identical, but there is no drama in the 750 overclocking. But a kind of pleasure from the traction of an atmospheric engine with a volume of 5.4 liters cannot be replaced by anything! And to own a car with twelve cylinders under the hood is very honorable.

Differences between models before and after facelift.

Exterior.

The updated cars began to be produced in September 1998, but the date of the first registration may be much later. For example, I come across a lot of cars supposedly 1999, which are actually pre-styling. The updated cars can be distinguished primarily by their headlights and taillights.

Initially, the taillights were plastic, and suffered from depressurization (sometimes water accumulated in them, to remove it, you had to drill holes). For the 1999 model year, they were replaced by glass, and the turn signals were still orange. Since 2000, they have been updated again, the turn signal glass has become transparent.

The headlights have also changed a lot. The structure itself became glass (instead of plastic), and decreased in height, so the front fenders also changed. There was a new design - the lower part got "roundness", while the old one had a straight lower edge. The internal design of the headlights has remained virtually unchanged.

If replacing the rear lights with restyled ones is very simple (they are mounted on four bolts), then you will have to tinker with the headlights. The size of the turn signals is noticeably different, and if you just install a new headlight, there will be a noticeable gap. To remove it, you need to either modify / replace the front fenders (not the cheapest pleasure), or leave the old turn signal blocks, “camouflaging” them with paint around the edges for new ones. restyled car.

Mechanical part and electronic systems.

In the process of updating the E38 in 1998, electronic components were modernized. The ABS, DSC (stability control) and ASC (traction control) systems have changed a lot. Initially, they were all separate components. In the 740i after 1998, they were housed in a single electronic unit located at the ABS unit. The cruise control system, idle valve and ASC system components were combined into one EML (Electronic Throttle Control System) system, and in the 750i this happened back in 1988 on the E32 model. Mechanical changes in the engine (Vanos improvement) are described above.

Salon equipment.

Armchairs. Three types of seats and many additional options were installed on cars - ventilation, heating and even a massager.

- very comfortable, but lacks a bit of lateral support. The setting range is very wide. As an additional option, they can be equipped with heating.

- are distinguished by additional adjustable lumbar support, the back of the chair can also be bent at the top.

Sports (anatomical) seats- have the same set of adjustments as the comfort ones, but also have adjustable hip support - part of the seat cushion can be moved forward. The seats were fitted to all Sport models.

Heated seats - installed as an option. option for all types. The heating system consists of two tanks with special liquid that was constantly circulating. At the same time, the surface of the seat changed slightly, which could confuse an unprepared driver.

Seat ventilation - quite rare, it helps in hot weather.

Center console, audio system, on-board computer.

Three main versions of the center console:

The multimedia system could combine many functions: navigation, TV tuner, telephone and on-board computer; without a monitor, all these functions (except for the telephone) were not available. And if you install a system with 4: 3 instead of the base one, it is more or less possible, then with 16: 9 the situation is much more complicated.

If you replace a 4: 3 monitor with a large one, less fuss is required. But at the same time, you will have to change the video module (located in the trunk) to use all the capabilities of the multimedia system.

Navigation system versions.

Three versions of navigation were installed on the E38: MKI, MKII and MK3. If you come across a car with MK4, then the owner installed this system himself, which is not a difficult task. And MK4 works much faster (but it is worth noting that all systems are hopelessly outdated today).

MK1 was installed on early models, the system “spoke” in a male voice, and was advanced and complex for its time. It consisted of a head unit, a GPS unit, a magnetic direction sensor and an antenna. She worked very slowly and often “lost her orientation”.

MK2 became a little faster, the magnetic sensor was replaced by a gyrosensor built into the head unit. The GPS unit and antenna were still separate. The Mk2 system appeared in 1998, and at first it was often buggy, "hanging" the entire multimedia system, so that none of the functions of the monitor worked.

MK3 appeared in 2000 and became faster again. The GPS module is built into the head unit, only the antenna remains external. In this version, the system no longer "freezes". Maps could be updated. When using a large 16: 9 monitor, a new split-screen mode was introduced, in which the map and direction signs were displayed at the same time.

MK4 the system was equipped with a DVD disc and worked much faster than its predecessors. The disk already contained the entire map of Europe, and not individual countries, as in previous versions. There is also a perspective view function (top-rear view of the car, not just the top).

Differences between the Sport, Individual and Highline versions.

Sport version extremely rare, but despite this, every second advertisement for the sale of E38 (in Europe) contains exactly this word. The main differences cannot be seen with the eye - these are other gear ratios in gearbox and main pair (option code S204A). The difference on paper is 0.1s in acceleration to a hundred, but it feels like the car goes much faster than usual.

But the steering wheel and wheels with the M badge are very often found on ordinary cars, which never turns them into Sport. Here is a list of the options that have always been installed on these special editions:

M-style parallel-spoke wheels (37th design)
Body decoration Shadow line
Sports steering wheel with M badge
S-EDC system in the suspension, or lowered sport version of the suspension (without stiffness adjustment)

Obviously, the other main pair in the rear differential cannot be seen, only the decoding of the VIN code and the list of options for a particular car will help.

Individual / Highline versions.

The Seventh Series in the E32 body was a super-exclusive version of the Highline with stunning interior trim (using natural wood), folding tables, additional lighting for the back row, and even with a refrigerator between the rear seats. The E38 did not have a separate Highline version, but in the list of available options it was possible to select almost everything the E32 had.

What is the Individual version? This is a vehicle that has options not included in the standard list. This version can be distinguished primarily by the VIN-code plate on the front “cup” under the hood. The inscription Individual will be sure to be present.

What options can there be from the Individual list? This can be a custom body color, interior material (Nappa leather), door sills with the inscription Individual, and much more. All this makes the car more rare, and, accordingly, increases its value.

List of standard add. equipment.

The most interesting thing is the system S-EDC ... With the standard soft suspension, the car may seem too "roll" to many, and on the hard suspension from the Alpina on a bad surface, it is very unpleasant to drive. The S-EDC suspension automatically adjusts the damping force in real time to suit the driving situation. Or you can manually turn on the sport mode, so that the car will be controlled no worse than the Alpina. The system is very complex, so finding a car with a working EDC is a real blessing. The system includes many electronic components, acceleration sensors, steering position sensors, etc. The shock absorbers have three hydraulic valves each, the entire system is controlled by a separate electronic unit. With this system, there will be an S-EDC button on the center console. The system was installed on all Sport versions.

Another useful option is PDC (Park Distance Control) - parking sensors. An irreplaceable thing for a hefty car. The system has four sensors in the front and rear bumpers... sensors often fail, but are not very expensive.

The hydraulic drive for the boot lid is also a nice option, which is very difficult to retrofit to an “empty” car.

But the tire pressure monitoring system (RDS) is not so desirable - but do not confuse it with the “Tire failure system”, which signals a flat tire, receiving information from ABS sensors. RDS is much more complex, it was used on cars with RunFlat tires, it included pressure sensors in the wheels themselves, temperature sensors, transmitters, antennas in the wheel arches. etc. The wheel sensors used their own battery, which became unusable over the years, and the entire sensor had to be changed.

In case of malfunction, the system constantly gave an error “Check tire pressure”, at normal pressure. So it can be considered useless and harmful.

Also installed on the car: an electrically adjustable steering wheel and memory function, side mirrors with auto-dimming, voice control, bluetooth, rain sensor, and much more. even by modern standards, a car from twenty years ago is very well equipped.

–
–
–

At present BMW cars in the box E38 are "almost youngtimers", with a beautiful body design (especially in comparison with the subsequent "sevens"), a very pleasant price, relatively affordable spare parts, and they are modern enough to move around comfortably every day. So cars (or rather, a few "live" copies) will soon enough go into the category of collection.

Transfer Flight

Production of the third 7th series E38

Production history: Production period 1993-2001 Total produced 327,599

Modifications	728i	730i	735i	740i	750i	725tds	730d	740d	In just one year	Car kits
1993		22		25	3				50
1994		10 895		18 829	1 351				31 075	24
1995	3 836	10 823	70	26 745	7 652	18			49 144	888
1996	8 920	346	6 531	26 070	3 453	4 837			50 157	264
1997	9 044		6 526	26 505	3 901	2 920			48 896	180
1998	9 201		5 440	25 174	3 703	1 190	1 833	22	46 563
1999	5 328		4 361	22 250	2 462	82	4 010	1 525	40 018
2000	5 516		3 598	22 097	2 048	6	4 238	1 477	38 980
2001	3 918		1 679	12 438	644		2 255	426	21 360
Total	45 763	22 086	28 205	180 133	25 217	9 053	12 336	3 450	1 356
Grand total:									326 243
The grand total, including car kits:									327 599

Gallery BMW L7 (760i) Karl Lagerfeld Edition

X-ray diagram of BMW E38 security systems

BMW E38 Convertible (Cabrio)

Photo of a BMW 7 Series in the back of an E38 with an open top, the first time I came across somewhere in 2002. American company NCE specializes in car customization, turning everything that logically cannot be a convertible into a convertible. Looking for a certain photo on a computer, after a decade and a half, I decided to drive into google search BMW E38 NCE and still photos of only a few cars and all of small terrible quality. That is, there were apparently not many orders for the E38 and the photographs were more likely taken on soap dishes and scanned into a computer.

Interior of BMW E38 Convertible

BMW E38 7 Series (1995-2002).
Description, specifications and photos.

3rd generation sedans BMW 7-series E38 luxury class was first introduced in 1995.

The BMW 7 Series was produced in the following variants: 725tdi, 730d, 730i, 735i, 740i, 740iL, 750iL, 740iL Protection and 750iL Protection. Cars of the "Protection" series are equipped with bullet-proof glass, parts that enhance the body's protection, and wheels that can be driven even if they are completely deflated.

It should be understood right away: the car is not quite representative. BMWs are famous for their sportiness, therefore, if we talk about smoothness and quietness, the "seven" is somewhat inferior to competitors. The car even looks faster than its classmates: a low hood topped with branded "nostrils" of the radiator grill, large glass.

Despite the large external dimensions, there is not much space inside. The driver sits at all, as if in the cockpit of a fighter - he is surrounded by instruments and control buttons for auxiliary systems. The center console is traditionally slightly turned towards it with the front side.

At the same time, the car has all the necessary comfort elements, including power accessories, automatic seat adjustment and climate control. (Note: Until 98, most options were not standard)

The popularity of the "seven" from year to year was added by electronic "brains", according to which it was one step ahead of other competitors. Among the electronic stuffing is the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, and the adaptive automatic transmission (AGS), which allows changing the gear shift algorithm depending on the driving modes, and the ELM electronic engine management system.

Electronics also largely determines the performance of the suspension and active safety systems. For example, the NR body position control system and the ASC automatic body stabilization system take care of the comfort of passengers while driving. ECS electronically controls the stiffness of the shock absorbers.

The 750iL version is additionally equipped with Park Distance Control, a 5-speed automatic transmission, self-adjusting suspension, a cell phone with voice dialing, heated front and rear seats, an audio system consisting of 14 speakers with a power of 440 watts and aluminum wheels. The ventilation and temperature control system allows you to set a different climate for the driver and passengers in the front and rear seats.

The BMW 7 Series was also offered with a 13cm stretch limousine (740iL, 750iL) and 38cm stretch (BMW 750iXL). All the extra space is provided for the rear passengers, who can practically stretch their legs. There is undoubtedly luxury here. The chic "bimmer" has retained all the family advantages - excellent dynamics and controllability. Thanks to the flagship V12 developing 326 forces, the limousine accelerates to a hundred in six seconds.

In terms of smoothness, BMW engineers have found a compromise between handling and comfort. The car is smooth enough to meet the demands of the executive class, and precise enough in reactions to please the driver who knows a lot about fast driving. Yes, you can drive on straight autobahns on any of the German flagships, but only BMW behaves superbly on twisty roads. The relatively stiff suspension is difficult to "pierce", even if you drive at high speed into a serious pothole.

"Sevens", moreover, are equipped with several airbags for both front and rear passengers. Moreover, the new Head Protection System, which is an inflatable umbrella that unfolds diagonally from the windshield pillar to the roof above the tailgate, provides head protection for passengers in front. The safety of those in the rear is ensured by the airbags built into the doors. Also, the car is equipped with locks that block the doors from opening by children, the Dynamic Stability Control system and built-in sensors that automatically open the doors and turn on the hazard lights and lights in the passenger compartment in the event of a serious accident.

Specifications BMW E38

Modification	Doors	Volume cm3	Powerful (hp)	Max. speed (Km / h)	Overclocking up to (100 Km / h, s)	Start of release	Finish release
730 i
725 tds
728 i L
728 i
730 d
730 d
730 i L
730 i
735 i
740 d L
740 d
740 i L
740 i
750 i L
750 i

MODEL	E38 730i 1994-1998	E38 735i 1996-1998	E38 740i 1994-2001	E38 750i 1994-2001
BODY
Body type
Number of doors
Number of seats
Length (mm)
Width (mm)
Height (mm)
Wheelbase
Wheel track front / rear, mm
Clearance, mm
The equipped mass of the car, kg
Permissible full mass, kg
Trunk volume max./min., L
Tire size
ENGINE
Engine location	Front, longitudinally
Engine displacement, cm3
Number and arrangement of cylinders	V-shaped / 8	V-shaped / 8	V-shaped / 8	V-shaped / 12
Piston stroke, mm
Cylinder diameter
Compression ratio
Gas distribution mechanism
Number of valves per cylinder
Supply system	Distributed injection
Power, h.p.
Torque (N * m)
Fuel
TRANSMISSION
Drive unit

The classic silhouette and well-thought-out interior have made the third-generation BMW 7 a dream for many car enthusiasts. BMW with model code E38 debuted in 1994. Two years later, the engine line was revised, and in 1998, a restyling was carried out. A characteristic feature of the updated version is the headlights with enlarged round reflectors. In 2001, a generational change took place.

BMW 7 Series E38, in a sense, is a cult car. A significant contribution to this was made by Pierce Brosnan (James Bond, "Tomorrow Never Dies"), Jason Statham ("The Carrier"), and of course the Russian film "Boomer".

The car was offered only as a sedan. The length of 4.98 meters and the wheelbase of 2.93 meters indicate that we are dealing with a representative of the highest class. In the aftermarket, you can find an extended version with the letter "L", which has a length of 5.12 meters and a wheelbase of 3.07 meters.

As befits a flagship, there is no need to complain about the equipment level of the BMW e38. Even in the very first examples, there is a two-zone air conditioning system on board (albeit with manual control), a multifunction steering wheel, a front panel decorated with walnut wood elements and velor upholstery. Leather trim was included in the options list. In later instances, the DSC dynamic stability control system, a telephone built into the center console, navigation with a screen and a TV tuner (standard equipment since 2000) appeared. The copies of the last years of production even have active cruise control. Many owners expressed their gratitude to BMW engineers for excellent ergonomics, great interior design, plenty of free space and power seats and a fair amount of adjustments.

Classic and functional. Burnt-out pixels on amber displays, cracked leather seats and squeaky plastic give away age.

The oldest examples of the BMW e38 in the basic equipment had only two airbags (side airbags were available as an option) and the HPS head protection system. In the extended versions, make-up mirrors or additional television screens could be installed in the headrests. Wooden folding tables could also be installed in the backs of the front seats. For a surcharge in german sedan installed an optional audio system with 14 speakers, up to 4 subwoofers and a digital sound equalizer.

The car is wide, but it is uncomfortable to sit in the middle because of the profile of the sofa and the high tunnel.

Engines

At first, the car was offered only with gasoline V8s with a displacement of 3.0 liters and 4.0 liters. In addition, there was a flagship V12 with a capacity of 5.4 liters and a power of 326 hp. In subsequent years, more modest inline 6-cylinder engines appeared: gasoline 2.8 liters and diesel - 2.5 liters and 2.9 liters. The latter became widely popular in Europe, and the model received the designation 730d. After renovation in 1998, the lineup was replenished with a diesel engine - V8 with a working volume of 4.0 liters.

What problems do BMW e38 owners face? First of all, it is overheating of gasoline engines. The cooling system requires constant monitoring of its condition. In addition, the pump often fails. Sometimes there are expensive in eliminating oil leakage from under the oil seals crankshaft, cylinder head or oil filter... One of the most common ailments of cars with gasoline units- Corrosion of the fuel tank.

For car enthusiasts with a little money, the BMW e 38 with the weakest 2.8-liter engine in the lineup is better suited. This is the only 6-cylinder engine in the petrol range. He handles weight well enough big sedan and at the same time inexpensive to maintain. The 3-liter aspirated engine is much more dynamic. But many copies have an exorbitant oily appetite. The 3.5-liter unit is no less interesting. It already allows you to fully experience all the delights of the "seven".

The cost of maintaining a BMW E38 grows in proportion to the power of the power unit. So the 4.4-liter unit is too gluttonous, and the costs of repairing the V12 will turn out to be simply cosmic. Finding spare parts is difficult and there are no substitutes. There are also two engine control wiring harnesses, two computers, and two fuel systems... In fact, the V12 is two in-line "sixes" combined into a single unit.

Special care must be taken when choosing a diesel BMW 7. The base 2.5 TDS is too weak for this model. Not only is a sedan with such an engine very sluggish, but the engine also suffers from numerous defects. The most vulnerable are the injection pump and the cylinder head.

Among diesel engines the most acceptable choice is the 2.9-liter unit. This turbodiesel was once considered the best in its class. Unfortunately, over time, it becomes more and more expensive to operate. Injectors fail (the cost of a new one is more than 10,000 rubles), a pulley, a flow meter. Breakthrough can lead to costly repairs exhaust gases into the crankcase or worn turbocharger. Interestingly, due to the fact that the engines are paired with automatic transmission gears, the dual-mass flywheel does not present any problems for a very long time.

We strongly recommend avoiding the BMW E38 with the top-end 3.9L V8 diesel and twin turbocharging. The engine is considered a true masterpiece of engineering, but a total of 3,500 of these were produced. Therefore, it is better not even to mention the possible costs of repairs. It should also be borne in mind that the huge torque of 590 Nm is poorly digested by the automatic transmission and differential. Periodic oil changes will allow the machine to extend its life.

In keeping with tradition, all BMW e38 engines are equipped with a maintenance-free timing chain. The manufacturer recommends only periodically monitoring its condition. In reality, the timing drive needs to be updated after 300,000 km.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Most of these have multiple problems. Most often on the part of an electrician who does not tolerate unprofessional intervention and economy. Already in 1998, a liquid-cooled generator entered the standard equipment of cars with V8 and V12 engines. The cost of the new one is about 35,000 rubles. Used copies often have faulty monitors, indicators, various sensors and additional equipment. Relatively often, the air conditioning control unit fails.

Due to the large amount of electrical equipment accumulator battery has a short service life.

The BMW e38 suspension for a car of this class is quite cheap to repair. For about 15,000 rubles, you can replace all silent blocks and ball on one axis. However, versions with active self-leveling hydropneumatic rear axle suspension should be avoided. The restoration of only one sphere with nitrogen will require at least 8,000 rubles, and the shock absorber - about 15,000 rubles. The new shock absorber will cost 30,000 rubles.

The suspension is considered durable. The first problems begin to arise after 150-200 thousand km. There are many quality substitutes on the market.

In pre-styling copies, window frames are often poorly fitted.

When inspecting, it is imperative to check the condition of the body. Even cars that have never been involved in an accident (and there are very few of them) can rust. Look for signs of corrosion on the boot lid, door corners, fender flares and under door seals.

Automatic machines of pre-styling versions are considered non-killable.

Conclusion

The BMW 7 Series e38 is not a car for everyone. Instance in good condition will give a lot of pleasant moments. Durability is rated quite high. However, maintaining a good condition requires large financial costs. The most preferred 8-cylinder gasoline engines with a working volume of 3.5, 4.0 and 4.4 liters.

Specifications BMW 7 Series (E38) 1994 - 2001

Version	728i	735i	740i	750i	725 tds
Engine	petrol	petrol	petrol	petrol	turbodiz
Working volume	2793 cm3	3498 cm3	4398 cm3	5379 cm3	2497 cm3
Arrangement of cylinders / valves	R6 / 24	V8 / 24	V8 / 24	V12 / 48	R6 / 12
Maximum power	193 h.p. / 5300	235 h.p. / 5700	286 h.p. / 5700	326 h.p. / 5000	143 h.p. / 4600
Maximum torque	280 Nm / 3950	320 Nm / 3300	420 Nm / 3900	490 Nm / 3900	280 Nm / 2200
Dynamics (manufacturer)
Maximum speed	227 km / h	244 km / h	250 km / h	250 km / h	206 km / h
0-100 km / h	8.6 s	7.6 s	6.6 s	6.6 s	11.4 s
Average fuel consumption	7.8 l / 100 km	8.9 l / 100 km	8.9 l / 100 km	10.2 l / 100 km	6.2 l / 100 km

• • Alexey, Irkutsk. I bought my seven BMW E38 in 2015, in very poor condition. But he really took it for a penny, so he threw it into repairs and got a doll. At first, the consumption was 23 liters in the city, but after we went over the engine and replaced the discs with 16, the consumption dropped to 17 in the city and 12 on the highway - this is with a 4-liter engine. I skated on it for a year and I'm going to sell it - firstly, it is very expensive for gasoline, and secondly, it is very expensive in maintenance and repair, I'm tired of constantly spending money.
  • Georgy, Omsk. The BMW E38 is a car of a quality that can no longer be found even among the Germans. If your hands grow from where you need to - in service it is not as expensive and as it is thought. Despite the fact that my 735i was released back in 1998, it breaks down on trifles and basically everything is connected with the hodovka. The motor and gearbox are working perfectly. Consumption in the city comes out 17 liters - a lot, I agree, and the engine is powerful. And on the highway at 9-10 you can meet.

External review of the BMW E38

The appearance of the representative Bavarian is notable for the fact that it is the second car of the brand, after the 3-series E36, with glazed headlight lenses. The car is offered with only one body type - a sedan. The sedan can be with a standard wheelbase and lengthened by 100mm, while the car becomes 140mm longer. The long wheelbase version can be distinguished by wider rear doors and the “iL” lettering aft (“L” stands for Long). Long wheelbase modification could be with any engine, except petrol 2.8 and diesel 2.5t. The design of the 7 was the prototype for the 5 in the E39 body - note the similarities between the two models. In 1998, a modernization was carried out, the updated "seven" is easiest to recognize by the headlights rounded at the bottom.

Interior equipment and equipment E38

BMW of the seventh series was equipped with a foot parking brake, and not a handbrake, the seats have a lot of electric adjustments, even the headrest is servo-controlled. A heated steering wheel rim was offered as an option. The car can be equipped with ten airbags. In the glove compartment, in front of the passenger there is a flashlight, which is attached to charger- you can get it. The optional fourteen-speaker audio system has 440 watts of power. Often in the last seven years of release, massage was installed.

The luggage compartment has a volume of 500 liters, which is quite enough for a family car (today the thirty-eighth is often used in this role). There is a battery in the luggage compartment. The function of "pushing" the trunk lid, testifies to the premium quality of this vehicle.

Technical part and characteristics of BMW 7-series E38

Least powerful gasoline engine BMW 7-series E38 was 2.8 (M52 engine series). The six-cylinder unit developed 193 horsepower, and even this engine made the sedan quite dynamic, it took 8.6 seconds for a BMW with mechanics to accelerate to a hundred, and acceleration lasted a second longer with an automatic transmission.

The next in terms of power among the petrol modifications was the 730i with a 3.0 V8 M60 engine, which in 96 was replaced by 3.5 by 235 M62 forces - BMW 735. Three of these engines were not available in the States, only powerful sedans were supplied to the USA. The 740i version initially had a volume of 4.0 liters, but in 1996 the volume was increased to 4.4, the model was still called the 740i, while the power remained practically unchanged - 285 forces before and 286 after modernization. The most powerful and most desirable is the 750i with a 5.4-liter twelve-cylinder unit, 326 horses and 490NM torque, the engine belongs to the M73 series. 750i picks up the first hundred in 6.6 s, the maximum speed of the "seven" is electronically limited - 250 km.

The least slow-moving of all the sevens is the 725td with 143 forces, with the mechanics the diesel Bavarian gains a hundred in 11.5 s, and with the automatic in 12.2 s - not Bavarian slowly. The diesel 730d has a power of 193 hp, and the 740d - 245 hp. Diesel versions were also not supplied to the states.

All power units have an aluminum block, which is considered not amenable to major repairs, but our craftsmen have learned how to sleeve it. Before a major overhaul, gasoline engines run at 400 - 700 thousand, but it is worth remembering that overheating is the worst enemy for BMW, at least once a year the cooling radiator should be cleaned. There are known cases of engine breakdowns due to water hammer, the air intake is located quite low, so it is worth slowing down in front of large puddles.

Only the "weakest" versions with petrol 2.8 and diesel 2.5 in the base were equipped with mechanics, the rest of the versions were already in the base with automatic five-speed boxes gear. The E38 is one of the world's first adaptive automatons that adapts to the driver's driving style (AGS system).

Optionally, a tire pressure system was offered, which notified the driver of a low, or vice versa, increased tire pressure. In the 7-Series E38, the Break Control system appeared, which, when the brake pedal is pressed sharply, increases the pressure in the brake circuit, in those years such a system was found only on very expensive cars.

Front stabilizer struts live for 35,000. Front suspension silent blocks go for 50 thousand, and ball blocks for 100,000, but they should be changed only with levers (like silent blocks).

The upper arms of the rear suspension are made of aluminum and therefore serve less than the lower ones - 60 - 90nsc, while the lower ones go for 200 and even 250 thousand.

The 750i was equipped with air suspension as standard, which can raise the body by 5cm, for other modifications this system is an option.